Debates are common forms of exercise in Anglo-Saxon high schools and universities, in which two pupils or two teams argue on a topic. In many ways, drafting the outline for a debate is similar to writing for articles and speeches. However, as not everyone is familiar with this form of communication, it is important to know how to write it so that your position is structured correctly.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Create the Basic Schematic
Step 1. Identify the debate form you intend to use
Each form has its own organizational structure, and you will need to base your scheme on it. The forms commonly used in school and in competitions are two. The others are just variations of these two, in which the time available and the organization of different segments change.
- One of these most common forms are team debates. In the first half of the debate, each team has two segments available to present the arguments in favor of their thesis. In the second half of the debate, each team has two segments to counter arguments presented in the first half.
- The "Lincoln-Douglas" debates are organized in a way that allows one side to present their arguments, and then the other team can subject them to an adversarial. Then the roles are exchanged: the second team presents their arguments and the first makes the cross-examination. At the conclusion, each of the two teams has one last chance for a final rebuttal.
Step 2. Do your research and prepare yourself well on the subject
Whatever the form of your debate, you will have the opportunity to present your point of view on the topic. Examine your notes and try to identify recurring arguments. On one sheet, for each argument, list the supporting elements including citations, examples, cases, factual elements and statistical data. Be sure to write down all bibliographic information.
- Use all the information at your disposal, not just the first results on google; the point is to find solid evidence. Consult a library, researching the different publications in order to obtain good material.
- For every element that supports your thesis you can get, try to find contrary elements: this will help you build your line of argument later on.
- It is better to include more points than you think it will take, rather than not delving into it enough and then finding yourself lacking enough supporting elements.
Step 3. Follow the general schematic criteria
Even if the order of presentation is determined by the form of your debate, the structure of your outline should respect the ground rules. If the debate you are preparing is for a class practice, you have most likely been given a paper to follow.
- Divide the information. The main headings will probably correspond to the arguments, while the second level ones will contain the various supporting elements.
- Use numbering correctly. Each level of the scheme uses a particular numbering. The main headings will use Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV). Second level headings will use uppercase letters (A, B, C). Even lower-level headings will use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3). Be consistent in using these conventions throughout the pattern.
- Indent the various levels. Indentation helps you follow the line of argument and brings order to your pattern.
Step 4. Structure your thesis
The thesis is your primary argument, the value you intend to prove by means of various evidence. Start building your debate outline by compiling a list of evidence that supports it. Sort the list so that the strongest and most convincing evidence is presented first, the lowest quality one in the middle, and ultimately reserves the place for a final argument of great force.
- If your plan involves a rather long debate, group the arguments of the thesis into different categories. For example, the elements supporting your thesis could be legal, moral or economic.
- Try to have at least three factual or evidence elements in the articulation of the thesis.
- In debates in particular, quality pays more than quantity.
Step 5. Be prepared for possible rebuttals
You yourself will have the opportunity to refute or question the validity of the arguments presented by the other side. Identify possible arguments they might use against you. You will encounter many of these contrary arguments already in the course of your research activity. Use brainstorming techniques to find the best way to discuss these arguments in case the other party uses them.
- Try to find ways to disprove the various parts of their arguments as well as the overall thesis. This will make your position in the debate stronger.
- Often their argument will be the reverse of yours, so while your argument lists the pros of a given value, their argument lists the cons. If you keep this in mind, you will be able not only to invalidate their argument, but also to further promote yours.
Step 6. Enrich your outline with details
Once you've set up the structure of your presentation and the related counter-arguments, start adding some detail, which will come in handy whether you're writing an essay or debating the subject. Respect the structure of the headings, sections and lists but write complete sentences, add useful questions and supporting evidence, and articulate your presentation in a well-refined way; don't just jot down a list of words.
- Write this more detailed text in the form you would use when giving voice to the debate. This will help you choose your words and understand your line of reasoning, as well as come up with pertinent questions and counter-arguments from your opponents.
- Make sure you avoid flaws in the logic of your exposition, refutations and answers. A strong argument will be based on solid evidence, which you will be able to prove if necessary.
Method 2 of 2: Avoid Logic Errors
Step 1. Avoid using fictitious arguments
The fictitious argument is a mistake frequently made by beginners in debates; it consists in not correctly representing the thesis of the opponents, describing it incorrectly to the audience. Avoid doing this in your counter-arguments, and if your opponent does against you, use it to your advantage.
For example, if you are promoting the abolition of the death penalty, your opponent may use fictitious arguments accusing you of lack of compassion for the victims' families, and that you do not want criminals to pay for their crimes
Step 2. Pay close attention to "slippery floors"
In planning your thesis presentation and counter-deductions, it is very easy to fall into the temptation to use the "slippery slope theory". This refers to assuming that something is unacceptable, based on the demonstration that its consequences will be very serious and unstoppable.
A clear example of this kind of approach would be: Let's say you are putting forward a thesis in favor of legalizing gay marriage, and your opponent says it's a bad idea because if it became legal you would soon end up legalizing polygamy everywhere. relations with animals
Step 3. Be careful to avoid personal attacks
Personal attack is often used by the losing side in a debate; it takes place when instead of attacking the thesis presented on the merits, the opponent personally attacks the one who expounds it.
For example, if you have fully argued your thesis, unlike your opponent who hasn't been able to do the same, when his rebuttal comes, he may instead attack you on the level of your poor academic performance or your drunkenness problems. Whether this is true or not, this has no relation to the topic of the debate and does not affect its outcome
Step 4. Avoid the tricky questions
When such questions are asked in a debate, they seem to point to a lack of argument while instead they have only taken the arguing person by surprise. Insidious questions are those that imply an offensive basis, so whoever has to answer is obliged to defend themselves even if this is not true.
In a debate on the legalization of marijuana, your opponent accuses you of being addicted to drugs by asking, "Isn't it true that you are interested in legalizing marijuana because you have taken drugs in the past?"
Step 5. Avoid using ambiguous language or ambiguous explanations
When someone no longer knows what to say or tries to avoid saying something that would be to the detriment of their thesis, they often use ambiguous language. This consists in providing unclear explanations and an incredible vagueness in the description of things and events.
For example, if you ask your opponent to clarify why we should convert to a socialist system and they say something about the fact that many people would benefit from it, but then they are unable to give reasons that are not just dictated by the socialist system. emotional factor
Step 6. Stay away from overly popular claims
This is one of the most common mistakes, where it is assumed that something is correct or good simply because many think so.
For example, base your argument on the fact that since so many people approve of the death penalty, this makes it the most effective method of punishment
Step 7. Pay attention to the use of the false dilemma
Often used at the end of a debate to highlight how good it is to decide in your favor, the false dilemma is to present only two possible final choices (white or black), while several other options may be available.
For example, your opponent claims that, ultimately, the only two possible alternatives are: either legalize all drugs, or ban them altogether
Step 8. Avoid using anecdotes instead of evidence
When addressing an audience, it is often easier to rely on personal experiences and anecdotes for your argument than to find clear evidence to support a belief.
For example, your opponent argues that because a friend of hers decided to keep her baby instead of having an abortion, and was ultimately happy with it, all women would feel the same in a similar situation
Advice
- The debates are based on supporting evidence, and on good organization. Do your best to find the appropriate information and to make your arguments easy to follow.
- Keep track of any cases or examples you come across by doing your research. This information will help you fine-tune the counter-arguments.
